Food despensing interlocking animal toy system

ABSTRACT

An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal&#39;s problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal&#39;s skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/811,340, filed on Mar. 25, 2004, by Shatoff et al., and entitled“FOOD DESPENSING INTERLOCKING ANIMAL TOY SYSTEM”, now U.S. Pat. No.7,389,748, issued Jun. 24, 2008, which in turn claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/457,835filed Mar. 25, 2003, both of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein, including the drawings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to animal toys used to entertain and educateanimals. More specifically, though not exclusively, the presentinvention relates to animal toys having the capability to connect toother similar toys thereby increasing the level of entertainment andeducation for animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Currently available animal toys are not challenging enough for animals.For instance, most solid toys capture the interest of animals for ashort period of time, however, after a while, the animal becomes boredand loses interest in the toy. These solid animal toys are far toosimple and do not provide enough mental stimulation for the animal.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,328, which issued to Theel for aninvention entitled “Dismemberable Canine Appeasement Device and Method”discloses an animal toy that comprises a number of distinct segmentsthat may be separated. In use, the animal can play with the Theel toyuntil the segments are separated. However, with just a little experiencewith the toy, the animal will soon learn the trick for separating thesegments and lose interest in the toy.

Similarly, animal toys with internal chambers for holding food onlychallenge the animal until the animal determines the trick for removingthe food. After they learn that trick, the animal quickly extracts thefood and loses interest in the toy. These simple food dispensing animaltoys do not hold the animal's attention for long enough to be of anyreal training, or entertainment value.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,146 which issued to Markham for aninvention entitled “Bouncing Pet Toy” discloses a toy having anelongated hollow body. Edible food treats can be inserted into thehollow body for removal by the animal. However, the hollow body presentsonly a brief challenge to the animal, and once the trick for removingthe food from the hollow body is determined, the animal quickly removesthe food and loses interest in the toy.

In light of the above, what is needed is a way to make animal toys moreinteresting and complex, and allow human caretakers to build up andregulate the complexity of the toys therefore making the toy morechallenging for the animals to play with.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an animal toy system, which features theability to connect two or more separate toys, of varying shape, size,color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toysystems. The present invention provides for an almost endless variety oftoy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop theanimal's problem solving skills and abilities. The animal toys may beeither solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimatelydispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers arecombined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toyseveral times before exiting the toy system.

The ability to present an animal with a toy system having an increasedlevel of difficulty for extracting the food challenges the animal anddevelops the animal's problem-solving skills and abilities. Combiningsolid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increasesthe problem-solving skills required by the animal to completely extractthe food from the toy system. As the animal develops its skills to thepoint where an additional challenge is needed, the configuration of toysmay be changed, or a restriction may be added to the toy to slow downthe flow of food from the internal chambers out of the toy system. Therestriction increases the challenge to completely extract the food fromthe toy system.

The present invention includes several advantages over currentlyavailable toys, including, but not limited to, the following:

-   -   a. It provides a more interesting and complex toy for animals to        play with;    -   b. It increases the usefulness of a toy by eliminating the        animal's loss of interest with simple toys;    -   c. It allows the animal's caretaker to regulate the toy's level        of difficulty commensurate with the animal's skills and        entertainment needs;    -   d. Allows toys to be connected to create an almost endless        variety of toy systems for the animals;    -   e. It provides an improved method of retaining and dispensing        food to reward the animal for playing with the toy and learning        how to solve the problem of removing the food;    -   f. It gives the animal's caretaker a method of incrementally        increasing the level of difficulty for purposes of training and        developing problem solving skills; and    -   g. It provides the challenge of disassembling the toy system in        a non-destructive manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other advantages of the animal toy system of thepresent invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the artupon making a thorough review and study of the following detaileddescription of the invention when reviewed in conjunction with thedrawings in which like references numerals refer to like parts, andwherein:

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention showing a flared snap fitconnection, and with each toy formed with a hollow chamber containinganimal treats or food;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention showing a solid body formed toreceive a flared top to establish a snap fit connection where animalfood may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a combination of the first and thesecond embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention,with the first toy having a solid body, and the second toy having ahollow chamber containing treats or food, and connected to the first toywith a flared snap fit connection;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the internal restriction of the animaltoy system of the present invention shown in FIG. 2B, and is formed withrestriction openings for reducing the flow of food from the internalchamber;

FIG. 2B is an cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention, and equipped with an internalrestriction for reducing the flow of food from the chamber;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention formed with a twist and lockconnection and shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 3A with the twist and lockconnection in the connected position where animal food may betransferred from toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with a threadedconnection and shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 4A with the threaded connectionin the connected position where animal food may be transferred fromtoy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention having a magnetic connectionand shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 5A with the magnetic connectionshown in the connected position where animal food may be transferredfrom toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with a flangeconnection and shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 6A with the flange connectionshown in the connected position where animal food may be transferredfrom toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with a ribbed frictionfit connection and shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 7A with the ribbed friction fitconnection shown in the connected position where animal food may betransferred from toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with a bore to receivea pin to secure two toys together, and shown in the disconnectedposition;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 8A, with the pin installed in thebore and the two toys in the connected position where animal food may betransferred from toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with a flange andhaving a clip connection to connect two toys together and shown in thedisconnected position;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy systemof the present invention shown in FIG. 9A with two toys attachedtogether using a clip connection where animal food may be transferredfrom toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention formed with an X-shapedopening to receive a flared top and shown in the disconnected position;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toysystem of the present invention shown in FIG. 10A with the two toysshown in the connection position where animal food may be transferredfrom toy-to-toy through the connection;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention using the system shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, and incorporating a tubular union extending betweentwo toys to allow the flow of food through the union and between thetoys; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention using the system shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, and incorporating a coil extending between two toysto elastically join the two toys together, and may provide for thepassage of food between the two toys through a lumen (or passageway)formed through the coil (shown in dashed lines).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1A, a first embodiment of the animal toysystem of the present invention, generally designated 100 includes afirst toy 102 and a second toy 104. The first toy 102 is has a body 106formed with a first chamber 108, a second chamber 110, a restrictionreceiving groove 112 disposed between the first chamber 108 and thesecond chamber 110, a side hole 113, a top hole 116 formed with a flaredrim 114. It is to be appreciated that the location of the holes 113 and116 shown in the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary, and thatthese holes may be positioned differently on the toy body 106 withoutdeparting from the present invention.

The toy of the present invention may be manufactured by one of severalmethods including, but not limited to, injection molding, blow molding,compression molding, and rotational molding. Other forming techniquesmay be used, as are known in the art.

The toy 102 may be made from a soft and easily deformable material, suchas natural or synthetic rubber, a semi rigid plastic, or a rigidplastic. It is to be appreciated that although particular materials aredisclosed herein in conjunction with the various preferred embodiments,that these materials are not limiting. Rather, the toys of the presentinvention may be made of any material known in the art as suitable foruse as an animal toy.

Additional, the toys of the present invention may be formed to include ascent appealing to an animal. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, afragrance concentrated material may be added to the toy during themanufacturing process by melting and/or adding the fragrance materialduring the injection process. Alternatively, the fragrance may besprayed onto the surfaces of the completed toy, or impregnated into thematerial after the manufacturing process.

A second toy 104 may be presented in combination with the first toy 102in animal toy system 100. Second toy 104 is formed with a body 120having a first chamber 122, a second chamber 124, a restrictionreceiving groove 126, and having a flared top 128 formed with a top hole130 and a side hole 132. Second toy 104 may be connected to the firsttoy 102 by inserting the flared top 128 of the second toy 104 into theside hole 113 of the first toy 102. The flared top 128 of the second toy104 will deform during the insertion into the first toy 102 in order forthe flared top 128 to fit inside the smaller side hole 113 of the firsttoy 102. After insertion of the flared top 128 into the side hole 113 ofthe first toy 102, the flared top 128 returns to the original shape andthe tendency to return to this original shape provides a retention forceto maintain the two toys 102 and 104 together. This retention forcekeeps the toys connected until the toys are disconnected by pulling thesecond toy 104 away from the first toy 102 to remove the flared top 128from the side hole 113.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, animal food 140 may be placed in the firstchamber 108 of toy 102. As the animal plays with the first embodiment ofthe invention the food moves between the first chamber 108 and secondchamber 110 and eventually exits the first chamber via the side hole 113and/or the top hole 116. Similarly, animal food 142 may be placed in thefirst chamber 122 of the second toy 104, and the second toy 104 may beattached to the first toy 102 as discussed above. As the animal playswith the toy system of the present invention, the food 142 in the firstchamber 122 of the second toy 104 moves to the second chamber 124 of thesecond toy 104. Once in second chamber 124 of second toy 104, the animalfood 144 may pass through the side hole 132 or through the top hole 130into the first toy 102.

As an animal gains experience with the toy system 100 of the presentinvention, various combinations of toys 102 and 104 may be created toprovided added challenge to the animal's removal of the food from thesystem 100. For instance, a third toy (not shown) may be connected tothe side hole 132 of the second toy 104, and a fourth toy (not shown)may be connected to the side hole of the third toy. The addition andreconfiguration of toys to the toy system of the present invention canresult in an endless number of toy combinations and shapes.

While the present invention as disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 1A hasa first chamber 108, and a second chamber 110, it is to be appreciatedthat such a limitation is not intended. Rather, a toy consistent withthe animal toy system of the present invention may be formed with anynumber of chambers. These multiple chambers may be connected to form aserial path for food dispensing, or the chambers may be unconnectedforming more than one food dispensing location in a single toy. Asdiscussed in conjunction with FIG. 1B, a single chambered toy may bepartitioned with a restriction device to form multiple chambers within asingle toy.

Additionally, though FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a substantially hollow toyand a substantially solid toy, respectively, it is to be appreciatedthat alternatives and combinations of these toys are fully contemplatedherein. For instance, the toys of the present invention may be formedwith a single chamber smaller than the toy body, representing a toybeing partially solid and partially hollow. No limitations as to thesize or shape of the chamber is intended by the descriptions of thepreferred embodiments herein.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a second embodiment of the animal toy system ofthe present invention is shown and hereafter referred to as the solidtoy, or solid-body toy. The solid body toy is generally designated 150and includes a solid body 152 formed with a flared top 154 having a tophole 156, and a side hole 158. A second toy 160 may be similar to toy150, and includes a solid body 162, a flared top 164 having a top hole166, and a side hole 168. Side holes 158 and 168 are sized to receiveflared top 154 and 164 to retain the animal toys 150 and 160 together.

This embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention may bemade from the same process and materials as the first embodiment of theinvention. The solid toy may be connected with other solid toys in thesame manner as the first embodiment of the invention. The first chambermay be used for receiving only the flared top of a second toy. Thesecond embodiment does not require a second chamber for the purposes ofreceiving and dispensing food to the animal. A small amount of food maybe placed in the area within the flared top 164 to be released when thetoys are separated.

It is to be appreciated that toys from the first animal toy system 100of the present invention may be combined with solid toys 150 and 160from the second embodiment of the invention as previously described tomake more complex and varying combinations and shapes for the animals.For instance, referring to FIG. 1C, the first and second embodiments arecombined to form a toy system with a variation using both embodiments ofthe present invention. More specifically, toy 150 having a solid body152 may be combined with a toy 104 having a first chamber 122 and asecond chamber 124 containing food 142 and 144 by inserting flared top128 into side hole 158. In this configuration, food 144 may exit sidehole 132 as the animal manipulates the toy system. Once toy 104 isseparated from toy 152, food may also exit top hole 130.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a restriction device 180 is shown, which comprisesan interface ring 184 sized to be received within the restrictionreceiving groove 112 and 126 within toys 102 and 104, respectively, toestablish a barrier 182 between the first chamber 108 and the secondchamber 110. The restriction device 180, also referred to as a baffle,may be formed with at least one opening 186, 188, 190, 192 for allowingfood 140 to pass through the restriction device 180. The diameters ofthe openings 186, 188, 190 and 192 may vary depending on the food typescontained within the toys of the present invention, and to provide fordifferent flow rates of food through the restriction device. In apreferred embodiment, restriction device 180 may be solid, serving toprovide two distinct chambers within the toy. The restriction device 180may be made from the same process and materials as the embodiment of theother embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the animal toy system 100 of the presentinvention is shown equipped with the restriction device 180 of FIG. 2A.More specifically, toy 102 further comprise a restriction device 180disposed between the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110 withinthe restriction receiving groove 112. The restriction device 180 reducesthe rate of flow of food 140 from the first chamber 108 to the secondchamber 110 and out of the side hole 113 and top hole 116 of the toy ortoy combinations. The restriction device 180 may be made from the sameprocess and materials as the first embodiment of the invention. Therestriction device 180 may be inserted into the toys of the animal toysystem of the present invention for the purposes of reducing the flow offood 140 from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110 and outof the top hole 116 or the side hole 113 of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an alternative embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated200, and includes an apparatus for an alternative method of connectingtwo or more toys, hereafter referred to as the twist and lockconnection. More specifically, toy system 200 includes a first toy 202and a second toy 204. First toy 202 includes a first chamber 206, asecond chamber 208 formed with a side hole 210 and formed with aretaining flange 212 and slots 214, and a top opening 216 formed withlocking tabs 218. Similarly, second toy 204 is formed with a firstchamber 220, a second chamber 222 formed with a side hole 224 and aretaining flange 226 having slots 228, and a top opening 230 havinglocking tabs 232.

In use, the twist and lock connection comprises at least one lockingtab, 232 at least one tab slot 214 in the opening of the side hole 210,and a retaining flange 212 formed in the side hole 210. The tab(s) 232on the top 230 of the second toy 204 is aligned with and inserted intothe tab slot(s) 214 in the side hole 210 of the first toy 202. Afterinsertion, the second toy 204 is rotated in direction 234 approximatelyninety degrees (90.degree.) which moves the tab(s) 232 of the second toy204 behind the retaining flange 212 of the side hole 210 of the firsttoy 202. Toys 202 and 204 are shown in the connected configuration inFIG. 3B. Toys 202 and 204 may be disconnected by the rotating the secondtoy 204 until the tab(s) 232 of the top 230 of the second toy 204 arealigned with the slot(s) 214 of the side hole 210 of the first toy 202allowing the toys 202 and 204 to be pulled apart. Alternatively, withreference to all embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein,due to the pliable nature of the material comprising the toys of thepresent invention, it may be possible to separate the toys of thepresent invention simply by pulling them apart with sufficient forcewithout damaging the various connections formed in the toys.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention is shown and generally designated250. Toy system 250 includes a first toy 252 and a second toy 254. Firsttoy 252 includes a first chamber 256, a second chamber 258 formed with aside hole 260 having a female helical thread 262, and having a top 264having a male helical thread 266. Similarly, second toy 254 includes afirst chamber 270, a second chamber 272 formed with a side hole 274having a female helical thread 276, and having a top 280 having a malehelical thread 282. This embodiment of the present invention ishereafter referred to as the threaded connection.

The threaded connection comprises a male helical thread 282 around thetop 280 and a female helical thread 262 inside the side hole 260 forreceiving the male helical thread 266. In use, the male helical thread282 on the top 280 of the second toy 254 is inserted into the side hole260 of the first toy 252 and rotated in direction 284 until the malehelical thread 282 engages with the female helical thread 262 inside theside hole 260 of the first toy 252. The toys may be disconnected by therotating the second toy 254 in a direction opposite direction 284 untilthe male helical thread 282 on the top 280 of the second toy 254completely disengages from the female helical thread 262 in the sidehole 260 of the first toy 252 allowing the toys to be pulled apart.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generallydesignated 300, and includes an alternative method of connection,hereafter referred to as the magnetic connection. Animal toy system 300includes a first toy 302 and a second toy 304. First toy 302 includes afirst chamber 306, a second chamber 308 formed with a side hole 310having a magnetic element, such as an annular magnet 312, and a top 314formed with another magnetic element, such as an annular magnet 316.Similarly, second toy 304 includes a first chamber 320, a second chamber322 formed with a side hole 324 having an annular magnet 326, and a top328 formed with an annular magnet 330.

The magnetic connection of the present embodiment comprises a magnet 330around the top 328 of the second toy 304, and another magnet 312 aroundthe side hole 310 of the first toy 302. In use, toys 302 and 304 areconnected together by inserting the top 328 of the second toy 304 intothe side hole 310 of the first toy 302 in direction 332 such that theannular magnet 330 around the top 328 of the second toy 304 ismagnetically attracted to the annular magnet 312 around the side hole310 of the first toy 302. Once attached, second toy 304 may rotate indirection 334 without disconnecting from first toy 302.

The magnet material may be attached to the toys 302 and 304 by insertmolding, adhesive, thermal forming or any equivalent methods known tosomeone skilled in the art of attaching parts together. Also, it is tobe appreciated that annular magnets 312 and 330 are of opposite polarityin order to provide for optimum magnetic attraction between the two toys302 and 304. While magnets 312, 330, 316 and 326 are shown to have aring-shape, it is to be appreciated that other magnetic element shapesmay be used, including the embedding of the magnetic elements within thebody of the toys as shown by dashed lines 340. Also, it is to beappreciated that the magnetic elements discussed herein may includenon-magnets, such as iron or other ferrous materials having anattraction to magnets. In such circumstances, only one magnet needs tobe incorporated into the present invention, as the correspondingmagnetic element may be a non-magnet material.

Toys 302 and 304 may be disconnected by pulling the second toy 304 fromthe first toy 302 with a force large enough to overcome the magneticattraction between the magnets 330 and 312 around the top 328 of thesecond toy 304 and the magnet 312 around the side hole 310 of the firsttoy 302.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative embodiment of the animaltoy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated350, and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafterreferred to as the flange connection. More specifically, animal toysystem 350 includes a first toy 352 and a second toy 354. First toy 352includes a first chamber 356, a second chamber 358 having a side hole360 formed with a flange 362 with mounting holes 364 and having anattachment material 366, and a top 368 having a flange 370 having anattachment material 372. Similarly, second toy 354 includes a firstchamber 376, a second chamber 378 having a side hole 380 formed with aflange 382 with mounting holes 384 and having an attachment material385, and a top 386 having a flange 388 having an attachment material390.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the toys of the animal toy system of the presentinvention may be connected together by placing the top flange 388 of thesecond toy 354 in contact with the side flange 362 of the first toy 352.The flanges can be held together by a bolt 392 as shown oralternatively, a variety of attachment materials, or fasteners, 372, 385may be used, such as Velcro, a zip tie, lacing or string, double sidedtape, or adhesive.

The toys 352, 354 may be disconnected by removing the bolt 392, or ziptie, lacing or string. Alternatively, if the two toys 352, 354 areattached by fasteners such as Velcro, double sided tape, or adhesive,the toys must be pulled apart with force great enough to break the bondof the fastening Velcro, tape, or adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generallydesignated 400, and includes an alternative method of connection,hereafter referred to as the rib connection. More specifically, animaltoy system 400 includes a first toy 402 and a second toy 404. First toy402 includes a first chamber 406, a second chamber 408 having a sidehole 410 formed with one or more annular grooves 412, and a top 414formed with one or more annular ribs 416. Similarly, second toy 404includes a first chamber 418, a second chamber 420 having a side hole422 formed with one or more annular grooves 424, and a top 426 formedwith one or more annular ribs 428.

In use, the rib connection includes at least one annular rib 428 aroundthe top 426 of the second toy 404, and at least one annular groove 412inside the side hole 410 of the first toy 402 for receiving the annularrib 428 from the top 426 of the second toy. The toys 402, 404 areconnected together by inserting the top 426 of the second toy 404 intothe side hole 410 of the first toy 402 in direction 430. The rib(s) 428on the top 426 of the second toy 404 and the groove(s) 412 in the sidehole 410 of the first toy 402 deform during the insertion until theannular groove(s) 412 inside the side hole 410 of the first toy 402 hasreceived the annular rib(s) 428 from the top 426 of the second toy 404resulting in a friction fit between the first toy 402 and second toy404.

In this configuration, second toy 404 may be rotated in direction 432without disconnecting the two toys 402 and 404. The toys 402 and 404 maybe disconnected by pulling the toys apart with enough force to deformthe annular groove(s) 412 inside the side hole 410 of the first toy 402and the annular ring(s) 428 around the top 426 of the second toy 404enough to disengage the friction fit.

As an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is contemplated herein that thehole 410 and the top 426 may be smooth (without ribs 428 or grooves 412)and having similar diameters such that top 426 may be inserted into hole410 and retained in place by frictional forces acting between theinterior surface of hole 410 and the external surface of top 426.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generallydesignated 450, and includes an alternative method of connection,hereafter referred to as the pin connection. More specifically, animaltoy system 450 includes a first toy 452 and a second toy 454. First toy452 includes a first chamber 456, a second chamber 458 having a sidehole 460 formed with a pair of diametrically opposed bores 462 sized toreceive a pin 464 inserted into the bores 462 in direction 466. Firsttoy 452 also includes top 468 formed with a pair of bores 472 locateddiametrically across hole 470. Similarly, second toy 454 includes afirst chamber 476, a second chamber 478 having a side hole 480 formedwith a pair of diametrically opposed bores 482 sized to receive a pininserted into the bores. Second toy 454 also includes top 484 formedwith a pair of bores 486 located diametrically across hole 484.

In use, the pin connection comprises a pin 464 for connecting the firsttoy 452 and the second toy 454 together, in combination with bores 486in the top 484 of the second toy 454 and bores 462 formed in the sidehole 460 of the first toy 452 sized to receive the pin 464. The toys 452and 454 are connected together by inserting the top 484 of the secondtoy 454 into the side hole 460 of the first toy 452. The second toy 454is inserted into the first toy 452 in direction 488 to align the bores486 in the top 484 of the second toy 454 with the bores 462 formed inthe side hole 460 of the first toy 452 in order to receive pin 464. Thepin 464 is then inserted in direction 466 through the bores 462 of thefirst toy 452 and the bores 486 formed in the second toy 454, whichsecurely connects the first and second toys 452 and 454 together. Oncepin 464 is fully inserted, a nut (not shown) or other fastener known inthe art, may be installed onto the distal end 467 of pin 464 in order tosecure pin 464 in place though toys 452 and 454. In this configuration,toys 452 and 454 may be disconnected by removing the pin 464 from thetoys 452 and 454 and then removing the second toy 454 from the first toy452.

In a preferred embodiment, the pin 464 may be made from an ediblematerial, such as rawhide, or other animal food product. An edible pin464 allows the animal using the animal toy system 450 of the presentinvention an opportunity to separate the toys 452 and 454 to gain accessto the food within the chambers

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, another alternative embodiment of theanimal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generallydesignated 500, and includes an alternative method of connection,hereafter referred to as the clip connection. More specifically, animaltoy system 500 includes a first toy 502 and a second toy 504. First toy502 includes a first chamber 506, a second chamber 508 having a sidehole 510 formed with a flange 512 formed with two or more notches 514sized to receive clips 516, and a top 518 formed with a flange 520formed with notches 522A, 522B, 522C, and 522D. Similarly, second toy504 includes a first chamber 530, a second chamber 532 having a sidehole 534 formed with a flange 536 formed with two or more notches 537sized to receive clips 516, and a top 538 formed with a flange 540formed with notches 542.

In use, the clip connection includes a flange 540 having notches 542 andformed around the top 538 of the second toy 504, and a correspondingflange 512 having notches 514 and formed around the side hole 510 of thefirst toy 502. The toys 502 and 504 are connected together by placingthe top flange 540 of the second toy 504 in contact with the flange 512of the first toy 502 such that notches 542 are aligned with notches 514.Once in position, the flanges 540 and 512 are held together by attachingclips 516 as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 9A. These clips 516 maintainthe toys 502 and 504 together and are not intended to disconnect throughnormal use of the animal toy system 500 by an animal. However, the toys502 and 504 may be disconnected by removing the clips 516 from the toysand separating the toys.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, another alternative embodiment ofthe animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generallydesignated 600, and includes an alternative method of connection,hereafter referred to as the nozzle connection. More specifically,animal toy system 600 includes a first toy 602 and a second toy 604.First toy 602 includes a chamber 606 formed with a slotted opening 608having retention flaps 610, and a nozzle 612 leading to an opening 614surrounded by a rim 616. Similarly, second toy 604 includes a chamber620 formed with a slotted opening 622 having retention flaps 624, and anozzle 630 leading to an opening 631 surrounded by a rim 632. As shown,toys 602 and 604 of animal toy system 600 may be formed with a slottedopening 626 having retention flaps 628 on the bottom of the toy.

In use, the nozzle connection includes a rim 632 formed around theopening of the nozzle 630 of the second toy 604, and a slotted opening608 having retention flaps 610 formed in the second toy 604. The toys602 and 604 are connected together by placing the rim 632 of the secondtoy 604 in contact with the retention flaps 610 of the first toy 602.Once in position, the second toy is urged in direction 634 such thatretention flaps 610 are displaced inwards in the chamber 606 of thefirst toy 602. As the second toy is advanced in direction 634, thenozzle 630 of the second toy 604 deforms the retention flaps 610 intothe chamber 606 and passes through slotted opening 608 where theretention flaps 610 retain the nozzle 632 within chamber 606.

The toy system 600 of the present invention may be used in analternative configuration wherein the retention flaps 610 are extendingexternally to chamber 606. More specifically, once nozzle 630 isinserted into the chamber 630 by pushing the retention flaps 610inwards, the nozzle 630 may be withdrawn slightly resulting in theretention flaps 610 extending outwards from the chamber while retainingthe nozzle 630 within the chamber.

In the connected configuration, food contained within the two toys 602and 604 may pass between the toys and out nozzle 612 as the animal playswith the toy. Toys 602 and 604 may be disconnected by pulling toy 604 inthe direction opposite 634 to remove the rim 632 of nozzle 630 fromslotted opening 608 thereby separating the toys.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of animal toy system600 is shown having an intermediate union generally designated 650.Union 650 includes a first end 652 having a chamber 653, and a secondend 654 having a chamber 655, joined together with a tubular segment656. Chamber 653 is formed with a slotted opening 660 having retentionflaps 662, and chamber 655 may be formed with a similar opening 668(shown in dashed lines). Tubular segment 656 may be hollow (as shown indashed lines 669) to allow food to pass freely through the tubularsegment 656 between chamber 653 and chamber 655, or it may be formedwith a baffle 666 (shown in dashed lines), or a restriction as shown inFIG. 2A, to slow or prevent the passage of food through the tubularsegment.

In use, a first toy 602 is positioned with its nozzle 612 adjacent thesecond end 654 of the union 650, and a second toy 604 is positioned withits nozzle 630 adjacent the first end 652 of the union 650. Oncepositioned, the first and second toys 602 and 604 are advanced towardunion 650 in direction 670 and 672, respectively, such that the rims 616and 632 of nozzles 612 and 630 are pushed through slotted openings 668and 660 and into chambers 655 and 653, respectively. Once advanced intothe chambers 655 and 653, the retention flaps 662 retain the toys 602and 604 in place. The toys 602 and 604 may be removed from union 650 bypulling the nozzles 612 and 630 from slotted openings 668 and 660.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system600 of the present invention is shown and includes a coil 680 extendingbetween a first toy 602 and a second toy 604 to elastically join the twotoys 602 and 604 together. Coil 680 is formed with a first end 682having a rim 683, and a second end 684 having a rim 685, with a coiledsection 686 extending between the two rims 683 and 685. In use, toys 602and 604 are positioned near rims 683 and 685, and advanced in directions688 and 690 such that rims 683 and 685 pass through slotted openings 608of first toy 602 and 622 of second toy 604 (not shown this Figure) andinto the chambers 606 and 620 of the toys 602 and 604. Once inside, theretention flaps 612 of opening 610 of first toy 602 and retention flaps624 of opening 622 of second toy 604 retain rims 683 add 685 within thetoys 602 and 604, respectively.

In one embodiment, coil 680 may be solid, providing for a strongspring-like connection between toys 602 and 604. In an alternativeembodiment, coil 680 may be hollow to provide for the passage of foodbetween the two toys 602 and 604.

The present invention is in no way intended to be restricted to thedescription and drawings used to explain the several embodiments of theanimal toy system of the present invention. The animal toy system of thepresent invention as described herein is not limited for use in animaltoys, but should be extended to any equivalent inventions, such as forexample, in the use of baby toys.

While several different embodiments of the animal toy system of thepresent invention are disclosed herein, it is to be appreciated that thepresent invention contemplates combinations of the various embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Also, it is also to be appreciated that while various toys have beenreferred to as the “first” and “second” toy within an animal toy systemof the present invention, no specific configuration, order, orpreference is intended. Rather, the “first” and “second” nomenclature asused herein is merely for the purposes of facilitating the descriptionof the animal toy systems of the present invention. The various methodsof attaching one animal toy to another animal toy as presented hereinare intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the animal toysystem of the present invention. Further, the toy system of the presentinvention as described herein may be assembled into a combination oftoys to form a maze that the animal must solve in order to release thefood through the various toys within the maze. This maze assembly may bechanged by the person assembling the maze to provide the animal with aninfinite variety of mental challenges in order to remove all of the foodwithin the chambers.

It is also to be recognized that modifications may be made, by one ofordinary skill in the art of the invention, without departing from theintent of the animal toy system of the present invention. The scope ofthe present invention is to be taken as described herein as well asincluding all reasonable equivalents of the subject matter of theappended claims.

1. An interlocking animal toy system, comprising: a first toy and asecond toy each independently having: a body, wherein the body comprisesa chamber and at least one side hole, wherein the at least one side holecomprises a slotted opening having retention flaps, and a top hole,wherein the top hole comprises a flared rim, wherein a diameter of theflared rim of the top hole at a first point is greater than a diameterof the top hole at a second point, wherein the second point is moreproximal to the chamber than the first point, wherein the diameter ofthe at least one side hole is smaller than the diameter of the flaredrim at the first point; and wherein the at least one side hole of thesecond toy is configured to receive the flared rim of the top hole ofthe first toy, such that when the flared rim is inserted into the sidehole, the first toy and the second toy are interlocked; and wherein thechamber is configured to hold food for the animal, and wherein the tophole of the second toy and the at least one side hole of the first toyare configured to dispense the food when the first toy and the secondtoy are interlocked.
 2. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the retentionflaps are deformable.
 3. The toy system of claim 1, wherein either thefirst toy or the second toy further comprises a bottom hole directlyopposite the top hole on the body.
 4. The toy system of claim 1, whereinthe flared rim and the body are separated by a passageway.
 5. The toysystem of claim 1, either the first toy or the second toy furthercomprises a nozzle leading from the chamber to the top hole.
 6. The toysystem of claim 4, wherein the passageway of the first toy or the secondtoy is configured to provide passage for the contents of the chamber ofthe first toy or the second toy to enter the chamber of the other of thefirst toy or the second toy.
 7. The toy system of claim 1, wherein theinterlocked first and second toys are configured to remain connecteduntil the toys are disconnected by pulling the second toy away from thefirst toy to remove the flared rim of the first toy from the side holeof the second toy.
 8. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the first toyor the second toy comprises more than one side hole.